Connection mechanism for hydrogen storage container and hydrogen consumption device equipped with same

Abstract

A connection mechanism is provided that can facilitate connection and disconnection between a hydrogen storage container and a hydrogen consumption device. [Solution] The connection mechanism 11 comprises a first piping member 50 into which the tip of the outlet piping 22 of the hydrogen storage container 20 is inserted, and a second piping member 60 that holds the first piping member in a movable state, and is equipped with a locking mechanism 90 that locks the outlet piping to the first piping member when the tip of the outlet piping is pushed to a predetermined locking position in the flow path of the first piping member, and moves the second piping member to a predetermined connection completion position by the elastic force of an elastic member, and releases the locked state when the second piping member is moved from the connection completion position against the elastic force of the elastic member, a holding portion 70 that holds the second piping member in a displaceable state, and a locking portion 85 that is fixed to the holding portion and locks the second piping member when the hydrogen storage container is moved in the removal direction.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection mechanism for mediating the connection between a hydrogen consuming device and a hydrogen storage container. [Background technology]

[0002] Hydrogen consuming devices are driven by consuming hydrogen as energy to achieve a specific purpose. Examples of hydrogen consuming devices include those equipped with a fuel cell that generates electricity by receiving a supply of hydrogen and are driven by the generated electricity from the fuel cell, and those equipped with a hydrogen engine that burns hydrogen and obtains driving force from the hydrogen engine. Some hydrogen consuming devices are provided with a connection mechanism that detachably connects a hydrogen storage container that serves as a hydrogen supply source.

[0003] Conventionally, pipe fittings that can be easily connected and disconnected, also called quick joints or couplers (registered trademarks, hereinafter the same), have often been used as connection mechanisms for detachably connecting pipes that form fluid flow paths. For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a one-touch type pipe fitting that is connected by inserting a plug into a socket. Also, Patent Document 2 listed below discloses a screw-type coupler that can be applied to a hydrogen supply system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-353833 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2009-180277 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] By using the above-mentioned quick joints and couplers, it is possible to easily realize a connection configuration in which the hydrogen outlet of the hydrogen storage container is the male part and the connection mechanism of the hydrogen consumption device is the female part, and the hydrogen storage container is inserted into the hydrogen consumption device to complete the connection. However, in the connection mechanism applied to the hydrogen consumption device, it is desirable that the female part and the male part are not easily detached so as to prevent hydrogen leakage, while it is also desirable that the hydrogen storage container can be easily removed from the hydrogen consumption device.

[0006] The pipe joint of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 is configured so that when the plug corresponding to the male part is inserted into the socket corresponding to the female part, the connection between the plug and the socket is automatically locked. This makes it easy to connect the plug and socket and also makes it possible to prevent the plug from coming off the socket.

[0007] However, in the pipe joint of Patent Document 1, the locked state between the plug and socket can be released by sliding a sleeve provided on the outer periphery of the socket. If a pipe joint that requires an unlocking operation like that of Patent Document 1 is used in the connection mechanism of a hydrogen consumption device, it may be difficult to remove the hydrogen storage container from the hydrogen consumption device if the connection mechanism is located deep inside the hydrogen consumption device.

[0008] In the coupler of Patent Document 2, the male coupler portion and the female coupler portion are configured to be connected by a screw connection. Therefore, when a pipe joint employing a screw connection such as the coupler of Patent Document 2 is used in the connection mechanism between a hydrogen consuming device and a hydrogen storage container, the hydrogen storage container must be rotated when connecting and disconnecting the hydrogen storage container to the hydrogen consuming device. Therefore, it may take a long time to connect and disconnect the hydrogen storage container to the hydrogen consuming device.

[0009] An object of the present application is to provide a technique that can facilitate the connection and disconnection of a hydrogen storage container to a hydrogen consumption device using a configuration different from that of the conventional art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention can be realized, for example, in the following forms.

[0011] [First Form] The first form is provided as a connection mechanism for connecting a hydrogen storage container filled with hydrogen and a hydrogen consumption device that is driven by consuming hydrogen to form a hydrogen supply path to the hydrogen consumption device. The connection mechanism of the first form includes a first piping member having a flow path through which hydrogen flows and configured so that a tip of an outlet pipe constituting a hydrogen outlet of the hydrogen storage container can be inserted into the flow path, a second piping member having an insertion path therein into which the first piping member is inserted and holding the first piping member within the insertion path in a state in which the first piping member can move along the insertion path, and a second piping member provided on the first piping member and the second piping member, and (i) when the tip of the outlet pipe is pushed to a predetermined lock position within the flow path of the first piping member, a lock state is established in which the outlet pipe is fixed to the first piping member, and the second piping member is moved to a predetermined connection completion position in the first piping member by the elastic force of an elastic member, and (ii) in the locked state, the second piping member is fixed to the holding portion and is disposed between the second piping member and the hydrogen storage container when the first piping member and the outlet piping are in the locked state, and a locking mechanism is provided that releases the locked state and allows the tip of the outlet piping to be detached from the first piping member when the second piping member is moved from the connection completion position toward the initial position relative to the first piping member against the elastic force of the elastic member; a holding portion that holds the second piping member in a displaceable state; and a locking portion that is fixed to the holding portion and is disposed between the second piping member and the hydrogen storage container when the first piping member and the outlet piping are in the locked state, and that locks the second piping member so that when the hydrogen storage container is moved in a removal direction opposite to when the outlet piping was inserted into the first piping member, the second piping member moves from the connection completion position and the locked state is released. According to the connection mechanism of the first embodiment, the hydrogen storage container can be connected to the hydrogen consuming device with the outlet pipe and the first pipe member locked by simply inserting the outlet pipe of the hydrogen storage container into the first pipe member. Furthermore, in the connection mechanism of the first embodiment, when the hydrogen storage container is moved in the removal direction relative to the connection mechanism while the outlet pipe and the first pipe member are in a locked state, the first pipe member moves together with the hydrogen storage container, while the second pipe member is locked by the locking portion. Therefore, if the hydrogen storage container continues to be moved in this state, the second pipe member moves from the connection completion position, and the locked state between the outlet pipe and the first pipe member is released. In other words, the locked state between the hydrogen storage container and the first pipe member of the connection mechanism can be released by simply moving the hydrogen storage container in the removal direction, and the hydrogen storage container can be removed from the connection mechanism. Thus, according to the connection mechanism of the first embodiment, the hydrogen storage container can be easily connected to and removed from the hydrogen consuming device.

[0012] [Second Form] In the configuration of the above first form, the locking mechanism may be configured to fix the second piping member to a predetermined initial position in the first piping member while receiving the elastic force of the elastic member in an initial state before the tip of the outlet piping is inserted into the first piping member, and to move the second piping member from the initial position in the first piping member to the connection completion position by the elastic force of the elastic member when the tip of the outlet piping is inserted into the flow path of the first piping member and the locked state is reached. According to the second form of connection mechanism, an operator connecting a hydrogen storage container to a hydrogen consumption device can confirm that the first piping member and the outlet piping of the hydrogen storage container are locked together by the instantaneous movement of the second piping member to the connection completion position due to the elastic force of the elastic member.

[0013] [Third Form] The connection mechanism of the above-mentioned first or second form further includes a plate-shaped member having a plate surface with through holes through which the first piping member and the second piping member are inserted, and arranged at a position a predetermined distance away from the holding portion, with the plate surface facing the hydrogen storage container, the second piping member having a protrusion protruding radially from a side surface, and the inner peripheral edge of the through hole of the plate-shaped member may function as the engaging portion by contacting the protrusion to restrict movement of the second piping member when the hydrogen storage container is moved in the removal direction in the locked state. According to the connection mechanism of the third embodiment, the plate-like member having the through holes into which the first piping member and the second piping member are inserted is held at a location a predetermined distance away from the holding portion, and the locking portion for releasing the locked state can be provided by a simple configuration, thereby further simplifying the configuration of the connection mechanism.

[0014] [Fourth Form] In the connection mechanism of the third form described above, the plate-shaped member may be positioned in a position where the protrusion contacts the inner peripheral edge of the through hole when the second piping member moves to the connection completion position. According to the connection mechanism of the fourth embodiment, when the locked state is reached, the second piping member moves to a position where it contacts the engaging portion. Therefore, when removing the hydrogen storage container from the hydrogen consumption device, the locked state is released as soon as the hydrogen storage container starts to move in the removal direction. This makes it possible to more smoothly remove the hydrogen storage container from the hydrogen consumption device.

[0015] [Fifth Mode] The fifth mode is provided as a hydrogen consuming device that is driven by consuming hydrogen. The hydrogen consuming device of the fifth mode may include a storage section that detachably stores the hydrogen storage container, a connection mechanism according to any one of the first to fourth modes that is provided in the storage section, and a driving force source that consumes hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage container to generate driving force. According to the hydrogen consuming device of the fifth aspect, the hydrogen storage container can be easily connected and disconnected, which makes it easier to replenish hydrogen to the hydrogen consuming device and improves the convenience of the hydrogen consuming device.

[0016] [Sixth Mode] The sixth mode is provided as a vending machine which is one mode of the hydrogen consumption device described in the fifth mode. In the vending machine of the sixth mode, the driving force source may include a fuel cell which generates electricity using hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage container via the connection mechanism. The vending machine of the sixth mode may also include a load which adjusts the temperature of a product for sale using the electricity generated by the fuel cell, and which accepts a purchase operation by a purchaser who purchases the product for sale, and which discharges the product for sale from the storage unit in response to the purchase operation. According to the sixth embodiment of the vending machine, even in an environment where it is difficult to receive power from an external power source, it can operate by securing power using hydrogen as energy. In addition, since the hydrogen storage container can be easily connected and disconnected, it is easy to keep the vending machine operating smoothly.

[0017] [Seventh Mode] The seventh mode is provided as a moving body which is one mode of the hydrogen consumption device described in the fourth mode. In the moving body of the seventh mode, the driving force source may include a fuel cell which generates electricity using hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage container via the connection mechanism. The moving body of the seventh mode may also include a load including a motor which generates power for movement using the electricity generated by the fuel cell. According to the seventh embodiment of the mobile body, hydrogen can be used as energy for transportation, which reduces the environmental impact of logistics and human movement. In addition, the hydrogen storage container can be easily connected and disconnected, which makes it easy to extend the travel distance of the mobile body.

[0018] The present invention can be realized in various forms other than the above-mentioned hydrogen storage container connection mechanism and hydrogen consumption device. For example, it can be realized in the form of a connection method between a hydrogen storage container and a hydrogen consumption device, a structure for connection, etc. In addition to vending machines, the hydrogen consumption device according to the present invention can be realized in various forms such as medical equipment, machine tools, agricultural machinery, etc. that are driven by hydrogen as energy. The moving body according to the present invention can be realized in the form of, for example, a fuel cell vehicle, a hydrogen engine vehicle, an electric motorcycle, an electric kickboard, an electric bicycle, an airplane, a drone, a ship, a submarine, a jet ski, etc. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a hydrogen consumption device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an internal configuration of a hydrogen consuming device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a connection mechanism. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of connection and removal of a hydrogen storage container to a connection mechanism. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a first explanatory diagram showing the operation of the internal mechanism when connecting a hydrogen storage container. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a second explanatory diagram showing the operation of the internal mechanism when connecting the hydrogen storage container. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the internal mechanism when the hydrogen storage container is removed. [Figure 8] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a hydrogen consumption device according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] 1. First embodiment: 1-1. Hydrogen consumption device (vending machine) configuration: FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a hydrogen consuming device 10 including a connection mechanism 11 according to the first embodiment.

[0021] The hydrogen consuming device 10 is powered by consuming hydrogen. In this embodiment, the hydrogen consuming device 10 is a vending machine that dispenses a product for sale in response to a selection operation and a purchase operation by a purchaser. A hydrogen storage container 20 is connected to a connection mechanism 11 provided inside the hydrogen consuming device 10. The hydrogen consuming device 10 generates electricity by consuming hydrogen supplied from the connected hydrogen storage container 20, and uses the electricity to function as a vending machine.

[0022] The hydrogen storage container 20 is, for example, a high-pressure hydrogen tank having a cylindrical hollow main body. The hydrogen storage container 20 accommodates a hydrogen storage alloy therein and is filled with hydrogen. A cylindrical connector 21 protrudes in the axial direction from one end of the hydrogen storage container 20. The connector 21 has, in its center, an outlet pipe 22 that constitutes an outlet for hydrogen.

[0023] The outer wall of the hydrogen storage container 20 is made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy. In another embodiment, the hydrogen storage container 20 may have a configuration in which the outer surface of a hollow liner made of a metal or a resin such as plastic is covered with a layer of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP).

[0024] The hydrogen consumption device 10, which is a vending machine, has a rectangular parallelepiped housing 12, and is provided therein with a storage section 13 capable of storing a hydrogen storage container 20. The storage section 13 has an insertion opening 14, and is configured so that the hydrogen storage container 20 can be inserted through the insertion opening 14 in an insertion direction ID. The insertion opening 14 is provided with a lid section 15 that opens and closes the insertion opening 14.

[0025] A connection mechanism 11 to which a hydrogen storage container 20 can be detachably connected is provided at the back of the accommodation section 13 in the insertion direction ID. The hydrogen storage container 20 is connected to the connection mechanism 11 when the lid section 15 is opened and the hydrogen storage container 20 is inserted in the insertion direction ID from the insertion opening 14 into the accommodation section 13 with the connection section 21 at the leading end. When the hydrogen storage container 20 is connected, the connection mechanism 11 forms a hydrogen supply path to the hydrogen consumption device 10.

[0026] When the hydrogen storage container 20 is connected to the connection mechanism 11 and the insertion port 14 is closed by the lid portion 15, the lid portion 15 comes into contact with the rear end of the hydrogen storage container 20 and restricts movement of the hydrogen storage container 20. The hydrogen storage container 20 can be removed from the connection mechanism 11 by opening the lid portion 15 and pulling the hydrogen storage container 20 out of the insertion port 14 in a removal direction ED opposite to the insertion direction ID.

[0027] The configuration of the connection mechanism 11 and the mechanism for attaching and detaching the hydrogen storage container 20 to and from the connection mechanism 11 will be described later.

[0028] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal system configuration of the hydrogen consumption device 10 of this embodiment. In FIG. 2, the hydrogen storage container 20 is shown in a state in which the connection part 21 is connected to the connection mechanism 11.

[0029] The hydrogen consuming device 10 includes a driving force source 30 and a load 31. The driving force source 30 consumes hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage container 20 to generate electric power as the driving force for the hydrogen consuming device 10 to function as a vending machine. The load 31 is electrically connected to the driving force source 30 and is operated by the electric power supplied from the driving force source 30.

[0030] The load 31 of the vending machine includes at least a storage unit and a sales processing unit. The storage unit has a cooling and heating function. The storage unit includes an inverter, and by controlling the power supplied from the driving force source 30 with the inverter, drives a compressor, a motor, and a heater to perform the cooling and heating function and adjust the temperature of the merchandise for sale. The sales processing unit accepts a purchase operation by a purchaser who purchases a merchandise for sale, and discharges the merchandise for sale from the storage unit in response to the purchase operation. The purchase operation by the purchaser includes, for example, an operation of selecting the merchandise to be purchased and an operation of paying the sales price.

[0031] The driving force source 30 includes a fuel cell 32, and generates electric power to be supplied to the load 31 by the power generated by the fuel cell 32. The fuel cell 32 generates electric power by an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The fuel cell 32 is, for example, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell. In addition to the fuel cell 32, the driving force source 30 includes a hydrogen supply unit 33 and an oxygen supply unit 37.

[0032] The hydrogen supply unit 33 supplies hydrogen, which is a fuel gas, to the fuel cell 32. The hydrogen supply unit 33 includes at least a hydrogen supply pipe 34, a check valve 35, and a pressure reducing valve 36. One end of the hydrogen supply pipe 34 is connected to the connection mechanism 11, and the other end is connected to the anode of the fuel cell 32. The check valve 35 is provided in the hydrogen supply pipe 34, and prevents hydrogen from flowing back into the hydrogen storage container 20. The pressure reducing valve 36 is provided in the hydrogen supply pipe 34 downstream of the check valve 35, and adjusts the pressure of hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell 32.

[0033] The oxygen supply unit 37 supplies oxygen, which is an oxidant gas, to the fuel cell 32. In this embodiment, the oxygen supply unit 37 supplies oxygen contained in air to the fuel cell 32. The oxygen supply unit 37 includes at least an oxygen supply pipe 38 and an oxygen supply source 39.

[0034] In this embodiment, the oxygen supply source 39 is configured by a device that takes in outside air, adjusts the state of the outside air, and then releases it. The oxygen supply source 39 is configured by, for example, a blower that can adjust the flow rate of the supply air. In another embodiment, the oxygen supply source 39 may be configured by an air compressor that can adjust the pressure of the supply air.

[0035] One end of the oxygen supply pipe is connected to an oxygen supply source 39, and the other end is connected to the cathode of the fuel cell 32. The oxygen supply source 39 takes in outside air, compresses it, and sends it to the cathode of the fuel cell 32 through the oxygen supply pipe .

[0036] The driving force source 30 also includes a circulation unit that circulates to the fuel cell 32 hydrogen discharged from the anode without reacting with oxygen in the fuel cell 32, and a drainage unit that discharges water generated by power generation in the fuel cell 32. Detailed explanations and illustrations of the circulation unit and drainage unit are omitted.

[0037] The driving force source 30 further includes a secondary battery 40 and a power control unit 41. The secondary battery 40 is, for example, a lithium ion battery. The power control unit 41 is, for example, a DC / DC converter. The power control unit 41 is electrically connected to the fuel cell 32, the secondary battery 40, and the load 31, and controls the current and voltage of the fuel cell 32, the charging and discharging of the secondary battery 40, and the power supply to the load 31.

[0038] The power control unit 41 supplies the power output by the fuel cell 32 to the load 31 and charges the secondary battery 40. When the power output by the fuel cell 32 is insufficient for the amount of power consumed by the load 31, the power control unit 41 compensates for the shortage by using the power stored in the secondary battery 40. Note that in another embodiment, the power control unit 41 may store all of the power generated by the fuel cell 32 in the secondary battery 40 and cause the power consumed by the load 31 to be supplied from the secondary battery 40.

[0039] With the above configuration, the hydrogen consumption device 10 of this embodiment configured as a vending machine can store products and sell the products to purchasers using electricity generated by consuming hydrogen, even if it is not connected to an external power source. Furthermore, the hydrogen consumption device 10 can easily replenish hydrogen by replacing the hydrogen storage container 20, and can easily continue to operate. The configuration of the connection mechanism 11 provided in the hydrogen consumption device 10 to which the hydrogen storage container 20 is connected is described below.

[0040] 1-2.Connection mechanism configuration: Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a connection mechanism 11 that is provided inside the hydrogen consumption device 10 and to which a connection part 21 of the hydrogen storage container 20 is connected. Fig. 3 shows the hydrogen storage container 20 before it is connected to the connection mechanism 11. Below, the configuration of the connection part 21 of the hydrogen storage container 20 will be described, and then the configuration of the connection mechanism 11 of the hydrogen consumption device 10 will be described.

[0041] As described above, at the end of the hydrogen storage container 20, the connecting part 21 having a cylindrical shape protrudes in the central axis direction of the hydrogen storage container 20. The connecting part 21 has an outer cylindrical part 28 and an outlet pipe 22. The outer cylindrical part 28 forms the outer shell of the connecting part 21, and has a cylindrical shape. The central axis of the outer cylindrical part 28 coincides with the central axis of the hydrogen storage container 20.

[0042] The outlet pipe 22 is provided inside the outer cylindrical portion 28, and extends from an end of the main body (tank portion) of the hydrogen storage container 20 in the central axis direction of the hydrogen storage container 20. The outlet pipe 22 constitutes an outlet for hydrogen. The outlet pipe 22 has a cylindrical shape and has a smaller diameter than the outer cylindrical portion 28. The central axis of the outlet pipe 22 coincides with the central axis of the hydrogen storage container 20.

[0043] The outlet pipe 22 has therein a hydrogen flow passage 23 that communicates with the internal space filled with hydrogen of the hydrogen storage container 20. The outlet pipe 22 is provided with a valve mechanism that opens the hydrogen flow passage 23 when connected to the connection mechanism 11 and closes the hydrogen flow passage 23 otherwise; however, since the valve mechanism is a known technology, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0044] The outer peripheral surface of the outlet pipe 22 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical portion 28 are separated by a predetermined distance in the radial direction, forming a space between them. This allows the connection portion 21 of the hydrogen storage container 20 to receive a first piping member 50 and a second piping member 60 of the connection mechanism 11, which will be described later, within the connection portion 21.

[0045] An outer circumferential groove portion 25 for receiving locking by a lock mechanism 90 of the connection mechanism 11, which will be described later, is formed on the outer periphery of the tip portion of the outlet pipe 22, but is not shown in Fig. 3. The outer circumferential groove portion 25 is shown in Figs. 5 to 7, which will be referred to later.

[0046] In this embodiment, the position of the end face of the outlet pipe 22 and the position of the end face of the outer cylindrical portion 28 are aligned in the central axis direction. This prevents the outlet pipe 22 from protruding beyond the outer cylindrical portion 28 in the central axis direction, and the outlet pipe 22 is protected by the outer cylindrical portion 28. In addition, with this configuration, the tip of the outlet pipe 22 is easily visible, which makes it easier to insert the outlet pipe 22 into the first piping member 50 of the connection mechanism 11.

[0047] In the hydrogen consumption device 10, the hydrogen storage container 20 is detachably connected with its outlet pipe 22 serving as a male part and the connection mechanism 11 serving as a female part. The connection mechanism 11 includes a first piping member 50, a second piping member 60, a holding part 70, a connecting pipe 72, and an installation member 75.

[0048] The first piping member 50 has a cylindrical shape and has a flow path 51 therein through which hydrogen flows. The first piping member 50 is disposed so that its central axis coincides with the central axis of the hydrogen storage container 20 when housed in the housing portion 13, and is disposed so as to protrude toward the outlet piping 22 of the hydrogen storage container 20.

[0049] The first piping member 50 is configured so that the tip of the outlet piping 22 of the hydrogen storage container 20 can be inserted therein. A seal portion is provided inside the first piping member 50 to prevent hydrogen from leaking from the boundary with the outlet piping 22 when the outlet piping 22 is inserted, but illustrations and detailed description thereof are omitted.

[0050] The second piping member 60 has a cylindrical shape and has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the first piping member 50. The central axis of the second piping member 60 coincides with the central axis of the first piping member 50. The second piping member 60 has an insertion path 61 therein into which the first piping member 50 is inserted, and holds the first piping member 50 within the insertion path in a state in which the first piping member 50 is movable along the insertion path 61. The insertion path 61 also functions as a flow path for hydrogen.

[0051] Before the hydrogen storage container 20 is connected, the first piping member 50 is held in the insertion passage 61 of the second piping member 60 with its tip portion extended. A seal portion for preventing hydrogen from leaking to the outside is provided between the first piping member 50 and the second piping member 60, but illustrations and detailed description thereof are omitted.

[0052] A lock mechanism 90 is provided inside the first piping member 50 and the second piping member 60, and acts to restrict movement of the first piping member 50, the second piping member 60, and a sliding valve body 91, which will be described later. The configuration and operation of the lock mechanism 90 will be described later.

[0053] A protruding portion 62 that protrudes radially from the outer circumferential side surface is formed on the outer circumferential side surface of the second piping member 60. In this embodiment, the protruding portion 62 is formed as an annular eaves portion formed around the central axis of the second piping member 60. As will be described later, the protruding portion 62 is disposed between the plate-like member 80 and the holding portion 70, and functions as a locked portion that is locked by a locking portion 85 that restricts the movement of the second piping member 60.

[0054] The holding portion 70 holds the second piping member 60 in a state in which it can be displaced in the central axis direction. The holding portion 70 is configured of a cylindrical member, and an opening on the base end side is closed by the plate surface of the fixing plate portion 76, and an opening on the tip end side is open. The second piping member 60 is inserted into the opening on the tip side of the holding portion 70. The tip side of the second piping member 60 extends from the opening of the holding portion 70.

[0055] As described below, an elastic member is disposed inside the second piping member 60. The second piping member 60 can be displaced in the central axial direction relative to the holding portion 70 while receiving an elastic force from the elastic member.

[0056] The connecting pipe 72 is connected to a side surface of the second piping member 60. As shown in Fig. 2, the connecting pipe 72 is connected to the hydrogen supply pipe 34 of the driving force source 30, and functions as a hydrogen supply flow path for the driving force source 30. When the outlet pipe 22 of the hydrogen storage container 20 is connected to the connection mechanism 11, the connecting pipe 72 communicates with the hydrogen flow path 23 of the outlet pipe 22 through the first piping member 50 and the second piping member 60. As a result, hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage container 20 is supplied to the hydrogen supply pipe 34 shown in Fig. 2 through the connecting pipe 72.

[0057] The connecting pipe 72 is provided between the protruding portion 62 of the second piping member 60 and the holding portion 70. When the second piping member 60 is displaced relative to the holding portion 70, the connecting pipe 72 is displaced together with the second piping member 60. A notch 71 is formed at the tip of the holding portion 70 by cutting out a part of the outer circumferential wall of the holding portion 70 in order to avoid interference with the displaced connecting pipe 72.

[0058] The installation member 75 is a member for fixedly installing the connection mechanism 11 inside the hydrogen consumption device 10. The installation member 75 includes a fixing plate portion 76 to which the holding portion 70 is fixed, a plate-shaped member 80 having a portion that functions as an engagement portion 85 described later, and a plurality of connecting shaft members 77 that connect the fixing plate portion 76 and the plate-shaped member 80.

[0059] The fixing plate portion 76 is made of a metal plate. The base end portion of the holding portion 70 is joined to the center of the plate surface of the fixing plate portion 76. In the hydrogen consumption device 10, the fixing plate portion 76 is installed so that the holding portion 70 extends toward the accommodation portion 13 of the hydrogen storage container 20. The multiple connecting shaft members 77 are fastened to the outer circumferential edge portion of the fixing plate portion 76 so as to surround the holding portion 70.

[0060] The plate-shaped member 80 is fastened to the connecting shaft member 77 and fixed at a position facing the fixed plate portion 76 with the holding portion 70 in between. The plate-shaped member 80 is installed at a position a predetermined distance away from the fixed plate portion 76. The plate-shaped member 80 is arranged so that one plate surface of the plate-shaped member 80 faces the holding portion 70 and the other plate surface on the back side faces the hydrogen storage container 20 accommodated in the accommodation portion 13. In this way, a locking portion 85, which will be described later and is provided on the plate-shaped member 80, is fixed to the holding portion 70.

[0061] A through hole 81 is formed in the center of the plate surface of the plate-shaped member 80. The diameter of the through hole 81 is larger than the diameter of the main body of the second piping member 60 and smaller than the diameter of the protruding portion 62 of the second piping member 60. The first piping member 50 and the second piping member 60 are inserted into the through hole 81 of the plate-shaped member 80. The tip portions of the first piping member 50 and the second piping member 60 extend through the through hole 81 of the plate-shaped member 80 towards the accommodation portion 13 of the hydrogen storage container 20.

[0062] As described above, the protruding portion 62 of the second piping member 60 is disposed between the plate-shaped member 80 and the retaining portion 70. As described below, the inner peripheral edge portion of the through hole 81 of the plate-shaped member 80 comes into contact with the protruding portion 62 of the second piping member 60 and functions as a locking portion 85 that restricts movement of the second piping member 60. In this embodiment, in the initial state before the hydrogen storage container 20 is connected, the protruding portion 62 of the second piping member 60 is in the state shown in FIG. 3 in which it comes into contact with the inner peripheral edge portion of the through hole 81 of the plate-shaped member 80.

[0063] 1-3. Overview of attachment and detachment of hydrogen storage container in connection mechanism: 4 in addition to Fig. 3, an overview of connecting and disconnecting the hydrogen storage container 20 to the connection mechanism 11 will be described. Note that in the following description, there are some references to the action of the lock mechanism 90 provided inside the first piping member 50 and the second piping member 60, but the details of the configuration of the lock mechanism 90 will be described in detail later in this section.

[0064] First, the process of connecting the hydrogen storage container 20 to the connection mechanism 11 will be described with reference to Fig. 3 and Figs. 4(a) and (b). As described above, Fig. 3 shows the initial state of the connection mechanism 11 before the hydrogen storage container 20 is connected. Fig. 4(a) shows the state in the middle of connecting the hydrogen storage container 20 to the connection mechanism 11, and Fig. 4(b) shows the state after the connection of the hydrogen storage container 20 to the connection mechanism 11 has been completed.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 3, when the hydrogen storage container 20 is inserted into the accommodation portion 13 in the insertion direction ID to connect the hydrogen storage container 20 to the connection mechanism 11, the tip end of the first piping member 50 and the tip end of the second piping member 60 are inserted into the outer cylindrical portion 28 of the connection portion 21 of the hydrogen storage container 20 as shown in Fig. 4(a). In addition, the tip end of the outlet piping 22 is inserted into the flow path 51 of the first piping member 50 of the connection mechanism 11.

[0066] As the outlet piping 22 is inserted into the first piping member 50, the locking mechanism 90 restricts the second piping member 60 from being displaced relative to the first piping member 50. As the outlet piping 22 is further pushed in the insertion direction ID, the first piping member 50 and the second piping member 60 are pushed in the insertion direction ID against the elastic force of the internal elastic member. As a result, the protruding portion 62 of the second piping member 60 gradually moves in a direction away from the plate-like member 80, as shown in FIG. 4(a).

[0067] When the tip of the outlet pipe 22 is pushed to a predetermined position in the flow path 51 of the first piping member 50, the flow path 51 of the first piping member 50 is opened and communicated with the connecting pipe 72, so that the supply of hydrogen can begin. Hereinafter, the position of the tip of the outlet pipe 22 in the first piping member 50 at this time is referred to as the "locked position."

[0068] When the outlet piping 22 is in the locked position, the second piping member 60 is in a position where the protruding portion 62 has moved a predetermined distance D from the plate-like member 80. In addition, when the outlet piping 22 is in the locked position, the side surface of the connecting pipe 72 contacts the end face of the holding portion 70.

[0069] When the flow path 51 of the first piping member 50 is opened, the locking mechanism 90 simultaneously brings the outlet piping 22 into a locked state in which movement relative to the first piping member 50 is restricted. The second piping member 60 is permitted to be displaced relative to the first piping member 50, and the elastic force acting as a restoring force of the internal elastic member causes the second piping member 60 to instantaneously move toward the plate-like member 80, as shown in FIG. 4(b).

[0070] At this time, the first piping member 50 does not move because it is locked to the outlet piping 22, and only the second piping member 60 moves. Hereinafter, the position of the second piping member 60 relative to the first piping member 50 at this time is referred to as the "connection completion position." In this embodiment, the plate-like member 80 is disposed at a position where the protruding portion 62 of the second piping member 60 contacts the locking portion 85, which is the inner peripheral edge portion of the through hole 81, when the second piping member 60 is in the connection completion position.

[0071] In this way, the locking mechanism 90 of the connection mechanism 11 operates to bring the outlet piping 22 into a locked state in which it is fixed to the first piping member 50 when the tip of the outlet piping 22 is pushed into a predetermined locking position in the flow passage 51 of the first piping member 50. In addition, the locking mechanism 90 operates to move the second piping member 60 to a predetermined connection completion position in the first piping member 50 by the elastic force of the elastic member.

[0072] Through the above operational steps, the first piping member 50 of the connection mechanism 11 and the outlet piping 22 of the hydrogen storage container 20 are connected in a locked state, completing the connection of the hydrogen storage container 20 to the connection mechanism 11. The worker performing the connection work of the hydrogen storage container 20 can know that the connection of the hydrogen storage container 20 is complete by the instantaneous movement of the second piping member 60 to the connection completion position and the contact of the protruding portion 62 with the plate-shaped member 80 as shown in Figure 4(b).

[0073] 4(c) shows the process of removing the hydrogen storage container 20 from the connection mechanism 11. When removing the hydrogen storage container 20 from the connection mechanism 11, the lock between the outlet piping 22 and the first piping member 50 is released by simply moving the hydrogen storage container 20 in the removal direction ED opposite to the insertion direction ID, and the hydrogen storage container 20 can be removed from the connection mechanism 11. The mechanism by which the locked state by the locking mechanism 90 at this time is released will be described later.

[0074] 1, in the hydrogen consumption device 10, when the hydrogen storage container 20 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 13 and connected to the connection mechanism 11, the insertion opening 14 of the accommodation unit 13 is closed by the lid portion 15. The hydrogen storage container 20 accommodated in the accommodation unit 13 is restricted by the lid portion 15 from moving in the direction opposite to the insertion direction ID. Therefore, even when the hydrogen storage container 20 is easily removed from the locking mechanism 90 as described above, the locked state of the connection mechanism 11 with respect to the hydrogen storage container 20 is prevented from being unintentionally released.

[0075] As described above, according to the connection mechanism 11 of this embodiment, the outlet piping 22 of the hydrogen storage container 20 is locked and firmly connected to the first piping member 50 simply by inserting the outlet piping 22 of the hydrogen storage container 20 into the first piping member 50 and pushing it in the insertion direction ID. Moreover, with the connection mechanism 11 of this embodiment, the locked state between the outlet piping 22 and the first piping member 50 is released simply by pulling out the hydrogen storage container 20 in the removal direction ED, so that the hydrogen storage container 20 can be easily removed from the connection mechanism 11.

[0076] 1-4. Operation of the internal mechanism in the connection mechanism: 5 to 7, the operation of the internal mechanism when connecting and disconnecting the hydrogen storage container 20 to the connection mechanism 11 will be described.

[0077] Figures 5(a)-(c) and 6(d)-(e) show in chronological order the operation of the internal structure when the hydrogen storage container 20 is connected to the connection mechanism 11. Figures 7(a)-(c) show in chronological order the operation of the internal structure when the hydrogen storage container 20 is removed from the connection mechanism 11. Figures 5(a)-(c), 6(d)-(e), and 7(a)-(c) each show a schematic cross section of the tip portions of the first piping member 50 and the second piping member 60 in the connection mechanism 11, and the connection portion 21 of the hydrogen storage container 20, taken along a cut surface passing through their central axes.

[0078] 1-4-1. Internal structure of the first piping member and the second piping member: First, with reference to Fig. 5(a), the internal configurations of the first piping member 50 and the second piping member 60 in the connection mechanism 11 will be described. Fig. 5(a) shows the initial state before the outlet piping 22 of the hydrogen storage container 20 is connected to the connection mechanism 11, similar to Fig. 3.

[0079] The internal configuration of the first piping member 50 will be described. A sliding valve body 91 that opens and closes the flow path 51, and a first elastic member 92 are housed within the flow path 51 of the first piping member 50. The sliding valve body 91 has a cylindrical main body, and is disposed within the flow path 51 with its side surface in airtight contact with the inner wall surface of the flow path 51. The sliding valve body 91 is displaceable within the flow path 51 in the direction of the central axis.

[0080] The first elastic member 92 is configured by a coil spring. The first elastic member 92 is disposed on the rear end side of the first piping member 50 with respect to the sliding valve body 91. The first elastic member 92 is disposed so as to apply an elastic force to the sliding valve body 91 in a direction toward the outlet side of the first piping member 50. The elastic force of the first elastic member 92 acts on the operation of the locking mechanism 90.

[0081] A communication hole 52 that penetrates the wall of the first piping member 50 and communicates with the flow path 51 is provided at a position on the outlet side of the sliding valve body 91 in the wall of the first piping member 50. A ball 95 made of metal is arranged in the communication hole 52 in a rollable state. The ball 95 constitutes one element of the locking mechanism 90. The ball 95 functions as a locking member that locks a member to be locked by the locking mechanism 90.

[0082] 5(a), the center of ball 95 is located near the center of communication hole 52, and a part of the spherical surface of ball 95 protrudes into flow path 51 of first piping member 50. Sliding valve element 91, to which elastic force is imparted by first elastic member 92, comes into contact with and is locked by the spherical surface of ball 95, the tip of which protrudes into flow path 51, and movement toward the outlet of flow path 51 is restricted. As a result, sliding valve element 91 in the initial state is fixed at a predetermined position within flow path 51.

[0083] When the sliding valve body 91 is locked and fixed by the ball 95 constituting the lock mechanism 90, the flow path 51 of the first piping member 50 is closed to the outside. Hereinafter, the position of the sliding valve body 91 in the first piping member 50 at this time is also referred to as the "closed position."

[0084] Next, the internal configuration of the second piping member 60 will be described. The tip piping section 63, which is the part on the tip side of the second piping member 60, is configured to have a small inner diameter so as to be able to hold the first piping member 50 inserted into the insertion passage 61, and the inner wall surface of the tip piping section 63 is in airtight contact with the outer circumferential side surface of the first piping member 50. The inner diameter of the second piping member 60 on the rear end side of the tip piping section 63 is enlarged from that of the tip piping section 63. As a result, a step surface 64 is formed at the rear end of the tip piping section 63, and a space is formed between the outer circumferential side surface of the first piping member 50 and the inner wall surface of the second piping member 60 in the insertion passage 61 on the rear end side of the tip piping section 63. A second elastic member 96 is disposed in the space between the first piping member 50 and the second piping member 60.

[0085] The second elastic member 96 is configured by a coil spring, and is arranged so as to be wound around the outer periphery of the first piping member 50. The second elastic member 96 is arranged so as to be in contact with the stepped surface 64 at the rear end of the tip piping section 63, and applies an elastic force from the stepped surface 64 to the second piping member 60 toward the tip side. The elastic force of the second elastic member 96 acts on the operation of the locking mechanism 90. The elastic modulus of the second elastic member 96 is lower than that of the first elastic member 92.

[0086] An annular inner circumferential groove portion 65 surrounding the first piping member 50 is formed on the inner circumferential wall surface of the tip piping portion 63 of the second piping member 60. The inner circumferential groove portion 65 functions as a locked portion that is locked by a ball 95 in the locking mechanism 90. An inclined surface 66 facing the tip side is formed on the rear end side of the inner circumferential groove portion 65. In the state shown in FIG. 5(a), a part of the spherical surface of the ball 95 arranged in the communication hole 52 of the first piping member 50 protrudes outward from the communication hole 52 and is arranged in the inner circumferential groove portion 65.

[0087] When the second piping member 60 receives an elastic force from the second elastic member 96, a corner at the end of the inclined surface 66 of the inner circumferential groove portion 65 comes into contact with and is locked onto the spherical surface of the ball 95 disposed in the inner circumferential groove portion 65. As a result, the position of the second piping member 60 relative to the first piping member 50 is fixed at a position where the tip of the first piping member 50 protrudes from the second piping member 60 by a predetermined length PL shown in Fig. 5(a). Hereinafter, the position of the second piping member 60 in the first piping member 50 at this time is also referred to as the "initial position".

[0088] 1-4-2. Connection of hydrogen storage container to connection mechanism: The operation of the internal structure when the hydrogen storage container 20 is connected to the connection mechanism 11 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5(a) to 5(c) and 6(d) to 6(e) in that order.

[0089] 5(a), the connection mechanism 11 is in an initial state before the connection of the outlet piping 22 of the hydrogen storage container 20, in which the tip of the outlet piping 22 of the hydrogen storage container 20 can be received in the flow path 51 of the first piping member 50. In this initial state, the second piping member 60 is fixed in a predetermined initial position in the first piping member 50 by the locking mechanism 90 while receiving the elastic force of the second elastic member 96. As described above, the second piping member 60 is fixed in the initial position by the corner of the inner circumferential groove portion 65 of the tip piping portion 63 being locked by the spherical surface of the ball 95 constituting the locking mechanism 90.

[0090] As described above, in this initial state, the sliding valve body 91 is fixed to the closed position by the lock mechanism 90 in the flow passage 51 of the first piping member 50, and the flow passage 51 of the first piping member 50 is in a closed state. In the connection mechanism 11 of this embodiment, the position of the plate-like member 80 relative to the holding part 70 is determined so that the protruding part 62 of the second piping member 60 is in contact with the inner peripheral edge of the through hole 81 of the plate-like member 80 in the initial state.

[0091] 5(b), when the tip of the outlet pipe 22 of the hydrogen storage container 20 is inserted into the flow passage 51 of the first piping member 50, the lower end of the spherical surface of the ball 95 is pushed by the tip of the outlet pipe 22 of the hydrogen storage container 20, and the ball 95 is pushed up into the inner circumferential groove portion 65 along the inclined surface 66 of the inner circumferential groove portion 65 of the second piping member 60. A slope may be formed at the tip of the outlet pipe 22 to make it easier to push the ball 95 up.

[0092] 5(c), when the tip of the outlet pipe 22 of the hydrogen storage container 20 is pushed further into the flow passage 51 of the first piping member 50, the tip of the first piping member 50 comes into contact with the sliding valve body 91. Then, the sliding valve body 91 is pushed toward the rear end while receiving the elastic force of the first elastic member 92. In addition, the first piping member 50 receives the elastic force from the first elastic member 92 in the direction toward the rear end, and moves toward the rear end relative to the holding part 70.

[0093] At this time, the ball 95 is disposed across the communication hole 52 of the first piping member 50 and the inner circumferential groove portion 65 of the second piping member 60, and the second piping member 60 is in a state of being connected to the first piping member 50 via the ball 95. Therefore, the second piping member 60 moves toward the rear end side relative to the holding portion 70 together with the first piping member 50. The movement of the second piping member 60 causes the second elastic member 96 to contract. Furthermore, the movement of the second piping member 60 increases the distance between the protruding portion 62 of the second piping member 60 and the plate-like member 80.

[0094] FIG. 6(d) shows the moment when the lock mechanism 90 locks the outlet pipe 22 and the first pipe member 50. An outer circumferential groove 25 that receives the locking by the lock mechanism 90 of the connection mechanism 11 is formed on the outer circumferential side surface of the tip side of the outlet pipe 22. When the tip of the outlet pipe 22 is pushed in the flow passage 51 of the first pipe member 50 in the insertion direction ID while pushing the sliding valve body 91, the outer circumferential groove 25 of the outlet pipe 22 reaches the position of the communication hole 52 in which the ball 95 is arranged. This position is the above-mentioned "lock position". When the tip of the outlet pipe 22 reaches the lock position, the second pipe member 60 is positioned at a position where the protrusion 62 is a predetermined distance D away from the plate-like member 80.

[0095] When the outer circumferential groove portion 25 of the outlet piping 22 reaches the position of the communication hole 52 in which the ball 95 is disposed, the ball 95 is pushed by the inclined surface 66 of the inner circumferential groove portion 65 of the second piping member 60, which receives an elastic force from the second elastic member 96 toward the tip side, and is pushed into the outer circumferential groove portion 25 of the outlet piping 22. As a result, the ball 95 is disposed straddling the communication hole 52 of the first piping member 50 and the outer circumferential groove portion 25 of the outlet piping 22. Therefore, the outlet piping 22 is brought into a locked state in which displacement relative to the first piping member 50 is restricted by the engagement of the ball 95.

[0096] Although not shown in the drawings, the sliding valve body 91 opens the flow path 51 of the first piping member 50 at the same time as the outlet piping 22 and the first piping member 50 are locked. This allows the outlet piping 22 to communicate with the insertion path 61 of the second piping member 60, and also allows communication with the connecting piping 72 connected to the second piping member 60.

[0097] When the outlet piping 22 and the first piping member 50 are locked together, the ball 95 leaves the inner circumferential groove portion 65 of the second piping member 60, and the ball 95 is released from the engagement with the second piping member 60. This allows the second piping member 60 to be displaced relative to the first piping member 50, and the second piping member 60 instantaneously moves from the initial position to the connection completion position due to the elastic force acting as the restoring force of the second elastic member 96, as shown in Figures 6(d) to (e).

[0098] 4(b) in the previous section, when the second elastic member 96 moves to the connection completion position, the protrusion 62 of the second elastic member 96 comes into contact with the plate-shaped member 80. Through the above steps, the connection of the hydrogen storage container 20 to the connection mechanism 11 is completed.

[0099] 1-4-3. Removing the hydrogen storage container from the connection mechanism: 7(a) to (c) in order, the operation of the internal structure when the hydrogen storage container 20 is removed from the connection mechanism 11 will be described.

[0100] In the locked state, the first piping member 50 is restricted from displacement relative to the outlet piping 22 by the action of the locking mechanism 90. Therefore, when the hydrogen storage container 20 is moved in the removal direction ED, the first piping member 50 moves in the removal direction ED together with the outlet piping 22, as shown in Fig. 7(a). On the other hand, the second piping member 60 is restricted from moving together with the first piping member 50 because the protruding portion 62 is engaged with the engaging portion 85 of the plate-shaped member 80.

[0101] When the first piping member 50 moves in the removal direction ED relative to the second piping member 60, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the ball 95 disposed in the communication hole 52 of the first piping member 50 moves to the position of the inner circumferential groove portion 65 of the second piping member 60. Then, the ball 95 is pushed up toward the inner circumferential groove portion 65 of the second piping member 60 by the inclined side wall surface of the outer circumferential groove portion 25 of the outlet piping 22, rolls out of the outer circumferential groove portion 25 of the outlet piping 22, and moves away from the outer circumferential groove portion 25 of the outlet piping 22. As a result, the locked state between the outlet piping 22 and the first piping member 50 by the lock mechanism 90 is released, and the outlet piping 22 becomes displaceable relative to the first piping member 50.

[0102] In this manner, when the second piping member 60 is moved from the connection completion position toward the initial position relative to the first piping member 50 against the elastic force of the second elastic member 96 in the locked state, the locking mechanism 90 of the connection mechanism 11 operates to release the locked state. This operation makes the tip of the outlet piping detachable from the first piping member 50.

[0103] Furthermore, the locking portion 85 formed by the inner peripheral edge of the through hole 81 of the plate-like member 80 is disposed between the second piping member 60 and the hydrogen storage container 20 when the first piping member 50 and the outlet piping 22 are in a locked state. Then, when the hydrogen storage container 20 moves in the removal direction ED, the locking portion 85 locks the second piping member 60 so that the second piping member 60 moves from the connection completion position and the locked state is released. In the connection mechanism 11 of this embodiment, the action of this locking portion 85 makes it possible to release the locked state simply by moving the hydrogen storage container 20 in the removal direction ED.

[0104] After the lock is released, when the outlet pipe 22 moves in the removal direction ED relative to the first piping member 50, the elastic force of the first elastic member 92 causes the sliding valve body 91 to move together with the outlet pipe 22 toward the outlet of the flow path 51. Then, as shown in Fig. 7(c), the sliding valve body 91 comes into contact with the spherical surface of the ball 95 protruding from the communication hole 52 and is locked and fixed in that position. As a result, the flow path 51 of the first piping member 50 is closed by the sliding valve body 91.

[0105] The second piping member 60 is also fixed by engaging a corner of the inner circumferential groove portion 65 with the spherical surface of the ball 95 protruding from the communication hole 52. At this time, the position of the second piping member 60 relative to the first piping member 50 is the initial position described above. In this state, the outlet piping 22 is pulled out of the first piping member 50, thereby completing the removal of the hydrogen storage container 20 from the connection mechanism 11.

[0106] 1-5. Summary of the first embodiment: As described above, according to the connection mechanism 11 of the first embodiment, by inserting the outlet pipe 22 of the hydrogen storage container 20 into the first piping member 50 in the insertion direction ID, the first piping member 50 and the outlet pipe 22 are locked and easily connected to each other. Furthermore, by simply pulling the hydrogen storage container 20 out of the connection mechanism 11 in the removal direction ED, the locked state between the first piping member 50 and the outlet pipe 22 is released, so that the hydrogen storage container 20 can be easily removed from the connection mechanism 11. Thus, according to the hydrogen consumption device 10 including the connection mechanism 11 of the first embodiment, the hydrogen storage container 20 can be easily replaced, and the hydrogen consumption device 10 can be easily kept operating smoothly.

[0107] 2. Second embodiment: 8 is a schematic diagram showing a hydrogen consumption device 10A in the second embodiment. The hydrogen consumption device 10A is configured as an electric bicycle, which is one type of moving object.

[0108] In the hydrogen consumption device 10A, a storage section 13A for accommodating a hydrogen storage container 20 is formed within the frame 97 of the electric bicycle, and a connection mechanism 11 having a configuration similar to that described in the first embodiment is disposed at the back of the storage section 13A.

[0109] The connection mechanism 11 is installed in a rotatable state within the frame 97. In the hydrogen consumption device 10A, the outlet piping 22 of the hydrogen storage container 20 is inserted into the first piping member 50 of the connection mechanism 11 in the insertion direction ID to complete the connection, and then the hydrogen storage container 20 is rotated around the connection mechanism 11 as a fulcrum, whereby the hydrogen storage container 20 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 13A.

[0110] In the hydrogen consumption device 10A, a fixing portion 98 is provided within the accommodation portion 13A for fixing the rear end portion of the hydrogen storage container 20 connected to the connection mechanism 11. This prevents the hydrogen storage container 20 from moving in a direction that would release the locked state with the connection mechanism 11. The hydrogen storage container 20 can be removed from the connection mechanism 11 by rotating the hydrogen storage container 20 with the connection mechanism 11 as a fulcrum, and then pulling the hydrogen storage container 20 out from the connection mechanism 11 in a removal direction ED that is opposite to the insertion direction ID.

[0111] The internal configuration of the hydrogen consumption device 10A is substantially the same as that of the hydrogen consumption device 10 of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 2, except that it is equipped with an electric motor as the load 31. The hydrogen consumption device 10A generates part of the driving force for moving the electric bicycle by using power generated by the fuel cell 32 to drive the motor as the load 31. Note that in the hydrogen consumption device 10A of the second embodiment, the power control unit 41 may be configured to charge the secondary battery 40 with regenerative power generated by the motor of the load 31.

[0112] As described above, the electric bicycle which is the hydrogen consumption device 10A of the second embodiment is provided with the connection mechanism 11, which allows the hydrogen storage container 20 to be easily attached and detached, thereby achieving high convenience.

[0113] 3. Other embodiments: The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations of the first and second embodiments described above. For example, the following modifications are possible.

[0114] 3-1. Other embodiment 1: In the above embodiment, the locking portion 85 may be formed by another member fixed to the holding portion 70, instead of the inner peripheral edge portion of the through hole 81 of the plate-shaped member 80. The locking portion 85 may be formed by, for example, a columnar member or annular member installed so as to be able to be locked to the protruding portion 62 of the second piping member 60. Also, in the above embodiment, the plate-shaped member 80 may be disposed such that the locking portion 85 is located at a position away from the protruding portion 62 of the second piping member 60 when the second piping member 60 is in the connection completion position.

[0115] 3-2. Other embodiment 2: The connection mechanism 11 may be applied to an electric device driven by electricity generated by consuming hydrogen other than the vending machine described in the first embodiment. The connection mechanism 11 may be applied to, for example, a refrigerator, a cooler, an air conditioner, or other heating and cooling appliance, a humidifier, a rice cooker, a water heater, a microwave oven, an IH stove, or other cooking appliance, a medical device, an electric tool, or other electric device. The connection mechanism 11 may also be applied to a hydrogen consuming device constituting a moving object other than the electric bicycle described in the second embodiment. The connection mechanism 11 may be applied to, for example, a fuel cell vehicle, an electric vehicle, a hydrogen engine vehicle, an electric motorcycle, an electric kickboard, a drone, an aircraft, a ship, a submarine, or other hydrogen consuming device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 10... hydrogen consumption device, 10A... hydrogen consumption device, 11... connection mechanism, 12... housing, 13... storage section, 13A... storage section, 14... insertion port, 15... lid section, 20... hydrogen storage container, 21... connection section, 22... outlet piping, 23... hydrogen flow path, 25... outer peripheral groove section, 28... outer cylindrical section, 30... driving force source, 31... load, 32... fuel cell, 33... hydrogen supply section, 34... hydrogen supply piping, 35... check valve, 36... pressure reducing valve, 37... oxygen supply section, 38... oxygen supply piping, 39... oxygen supply source, 40... secondary battery, 41... power control section, 50... first Piping member, 51...flow path, 52...communicating hole, 60...second piping member, 61...insertion path, 62...projection portion, 63...tip piping portion, 64...step surface, 65...inner circumferential groove portion, 66...inclined surface, 70...retaining portion, 71...notch portion, 72...connecting piping, 75...installation member, 76...fixed plate portion, 77...connecting shaft member, 80...plate-shaped member, 81...through hole, 85...engagement portion, 90...locking mechanism, 91...sliding valve body, 92...first elastic member, 95...ball, 96...second elastic member, 97...frame, 98...fixed portion, ID...insertion direction, ED...removal direction

Claims

1. A connection mechanism for connecting a hydrogen storage container filled with hydrogen to a hydrogen consumption device that is driven by consuming hydrogen, to form a hydrogen supply path to the hydrogen consumption device, a first piping member having a flow path through which hydrogen flows, the first piping member being configured so that a tip end of an outlet pipe constituting a hydrogen outlet of the hydrogen storage container can be inserted into the flow path; a second piping member having an insertion passage therein into which the first piping member is inserted and holding the first piping member within the insertion passage in a state in which the first piping member is movable along the insertion passage; a locking mechanism provided on the first piping member and the second piping member, (i) which brings the outlet piping into a locked state in which it is fixed to the first piping member when the tip of the outlet piping is pushed into a predetermined locked position in the flow path of the first piping member, and which moves the second piping member to a predetermined connection completion position in the first piping member by the elastic force of an elastic member, and (ii) which releases the locked state and allows the tip of the outlet piping to be detached from the first piping member when the second piping member is moved from the connection completion position toward the initial position against the elastic force of the elastic member in the locked state; a holding portion that holds the second piping member in a displaceable state; a locking portion that is fixed to the holding portion, and is disposed between the second piping member and the hydrogen storage container when the first piping member and the outlet piping are in the locked state, and that locks the second piping member so that when the hydrogen storage container is moved in a removal direction opposite to the direction in which the outlet piping was inserted into the first piping member, the second piping member moves from the connection completion position and the locked state is released; A connection mechanism comprising:

2. 2. The connection mechanism of claim 1, The locking mechanism is configured to fix the second piping member to a predetermined initial position in the first piping member while receiving the elastic force of the elastic member in an initial state before the tip of the outlet piping is inserted into the first piping member, and to move the second piping member from the initial position in the first piping member to the connection completion position by the elastic force of the elastic member when the tip of the outlet piping is inserted into the flow path of the first piping member and the locked state is reached.

3. 3. The connection mechanism according to claim 2, further comprising: a plate-shaped member having a plate surface provided with through holes through which the first piping member and the second piping member are inserted, the plate surface being disposed at a position a predetermined distance away from the holding portion such that the plate surface faces the hydrogen storage container, The second piping member has a protruding portion protruding in a radial direction on a side surface, A connection mechanism in which the inner peripheral edge of the through hole of the plate-shaped member functions as the engaging portion by contacting the protrusion and restricting the movement of the second piping member when the hydrogen storage container is moved in the removal direction in the locked state.

4. 4. The connection mechanism according to claim 3, A connection mechanism, wherein the plate-like member is positioned at a position where the protrusion contacts an inner peripheral edge of the through hole when the second piping member moves to the connection completion position.

5. A hydrogen consuming device that is driven by consuming hydrogen, a housing portion for detachably housing the hydrogen storage container; The connection mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is provided in the housing portion; a driving force source that consumes hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage container to generate driving force; A hydrogen consuming device comprising:

6. A vending machine which is one embodiment of the hydrogen consumption device according to claim 5, the driving force source includes a fuel cell that generates electricity using hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage container via the connection mechanism; The vending machine includes a load that adjusts the temperature of a product for sale using the power generated by the fuel cell, accepts a purchase operation by a purchaser who purchases the product for sale, and discharges the product for sale from the storage section in response to the purchase operation.

7. A moving body that is one embodiment of the hydrogen consumption device according to claim 5, the driving force source includes a fuel cell that generates electricity using hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage container via the connection mechanism; A mobile object comprising a load including a motor that generates power for movement using the electric power generated by the fuel cell.

Images